The Prelim Breakout Star is a once per event article that helps fans get to know those who will be entertaining them from the undercard. The intention of the article is not to bring attention to the most talented guy on the preliminary card, but rather one that the common fan may have overlooked or underestimated.

We may just love to brag on this segment, and we’ll continue to toot our own horn. With both of the wins from this past weekend, we picked up our 100th win. Now we head down under to defend our sparkling record. Check out who we think keeps us in the win column this weekend.

Mark Hunt may be having some issues with UFC management, but the rapid signing of his training partners is probably helping things along. Pedro is the second of Hunt’s training partners, along with Tai Tuivasa, signed in the past few months. While he trains with the famous heavyweight, his style is quite different. Using his broad frame, Pedro is suffocating in the clinch and on the ground. Additionally, his transition game on the floor is slick, making him a equal threat to TKO or submit his opponents.

Why he has been overlooked

At only 24 years old and with only four professional MMA fights under his belt, it’s no wonder why few have heard Tyson Pedro’s name. However, in the 4th fight, he stepped up the competition in a way that most newer fighters don’t. With only three bouts under his belt, none of which were against an opponent with more than three bouts, he fought Steven Warby. Warby was 8-1 and seen as one of the top prospects out of New Zealand. After the first round submission win, it’s clear that he can handle quick steps up in competition.

What makes this a good match-up

In his first fight in the UFC, Khalil Roundtree showed a glaring weakness. Despite facing a much smaller opponent, he was taken down at will and spent a lot of the fight struggling to get up. Pedro has a nice double against the fence and gets body locks well. Knowing how he imposes his size and how Roundtree had similar issues last time out, we can expect a big win here from the youngster.